Pagina's

Saturday, December 31, 2011

And finally; my favorites of the entire year! Yes, there are quite a few, but then again I read well over 120 books so I had a lot to chose from.. Anyhoo, without further ado: My 2011 favorites!

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
After getting expelled from yet another school for yet another clash with mythological monsters only he can see, twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is taken to Camp Half-Blood, where he finally learns the truth about his unique abilities: He is a demigod, half human, half immortal. Even more stunning: His father is the Greek god Poseidon, ruler of the sea, making Percy one of the most powerful demigods alive. There's little time to process this news. All too soon, a cryptic prophecy from the Oracle sends Percy on his first quest, a mission to the Underworld to prevent a war among the gods of Olympus.

I think anyone could guess that this one would be on my list, because I'm a pretty big Percy fangirl (review). After a lot of recommendations, I finally gave in and devoured the series and instantly fell in love with Rick's writing. Percy is a great character to follow around when we find our way in the world of demigods and go into battle with monsters and whatnot. I would list the entire series here, but I thought that might be a bit much.. One thing's for sure: I'll be re-reading the series during 2012!

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?
Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.
Instead, it turns out to be her last.
Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

This book blew me away (review). Lauren's writing is beautiful and I teared up several times while reading and toward the end I properly cried. The story is touching and even after reading as much as I did this year, this remains my favorite book if I had to pick only *one*. Kent is one of my favorite character ever, and I think I should pay him another visit in 2012.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

OMG, where do I start with The Hunger Games? This one was such a rollercoaster ride (review). I've never read a book that made me feel so anxious and queasy in my stomach while reading it. It was like I was in the games, or maybe watching it closeby but oh jeesh I was such an emotional wreck. I felt exhausted when I was done because I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I loved it. The entire trilogy is awesome, but the first one is my favorite. And I know I'm talking about books, but I just want to say that I cannot wait for the movie to come out!!

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.
As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

When I got my (very first ever!) ARC for Starcrossed, I was over the moon. I quickly fell in love with the story and read it at every moment possible (review). I have to say, after that ending, I'm curious how Josephine is going to work that out...

Sing me to Sleep by Angela Morrison
Beth has always been "The Beast" - that's what everyone at school calls her because of her awkward height, facial scars, and thick glasses. Beth's only friend is geeky, golden-haired Scott. That is, until she's selected to be her choir's soprano soloist, and receives the makeover that will change her life forever.

When Beth's choir travels to Switzerland, she meets Derek: pale, brooding, totally dreamy. Derek's untethered passion - for music, and for Beth - leaves her breathless. Because in Derek's eyes? She's not The Beast, she's The Beauty.

When Beth comes home, Scott, her best friend in the world, makes a confession that leaves her completely torn. Should she stand by sweet, steady Scott or follow the dangerous, intense new feelings she has for Derek?

The closer Beth gets to Derek, the further away he seems. Then Beth discovers that Derek's been hiding a dark secret from her ...one that could shatter everything.

This is one of the most heartbreaking books I've read this year (review). I got so emotionally distressed that I had to put the book away to calm down, and I wasn't able to continue reading until the next that. That's how much impact the book had on me. It's raw, emotional, and a heartbreaking story that instantly won me over. A book that is able to make me feel so emotional, can't be anything besides brilliant.

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place her in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances.

One of the most hyped titles has made it to my favorites list! Divergent was a rollercoaster ride full of dystopian goodness (review). I loved this one and it's easily one of my favorite books I've ever read so far. It's full of action, and I love how Roth built up her story. It certainly didn't feel like reading a debut novel, that's for sure! As for now, I'm (very) impatiently awaiting Insurgent!

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh
Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look.
Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.
As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.
His life depends on it.

Dark and twisty, Nevermore explores a world where Varen's stories (based on Edgar Allen Poe's work) come to life. It was deliciously dark and I loved every word of it (review). I was a bit disappointed when I found out they had pushed the publication date for the sequel, Enshadowed, back to August, but I'm still pretty excited to find out what's in store for Isobel and Varen :)

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.
As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

Oh, how Etienne blew my mind.. I don't know what I was expecting when I started reading Anna, but I know I wasn't expecting the goodness that Stephanie Perkins created (review)! It was awesome, and even though it was completely cliché and cheezy at times, I wasn't bothered one bit! It was perfect! One of the best contemporary books I've read so far.

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross
In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one except the "thing" inside her.
When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch...
Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits. Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.
Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help-and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.
But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on, even if it seems no one believes her.

Oh, Griffin, how I love you.. The Girl in the Steel Corset blew my mind and is the best steampunk I've read this year (review). Starring a kick-ass heroine and a great (hopefully) love interest, this book was full of all the good stuff. Lots of action, but also the good historical stuff made it an exciting story and I cannot wait to read the sequel! I want me some more Griffin..

I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler
Tess is the exact opposite of her beautiful, athletic sister. And that’s okay. Kristina is the sporty one, Tess is the smart one, and they each have their place. Until Kristina is diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly Tess is the center of the popular crowd, everyone eager for updates. There are senior boys flirting with her. Yet the smiles of her picture-perfect family are cracking and her sister could be dying. Now Tess has to fill a new role: the strong one. Because if she doesn’t hold it together, who will?

Raw and emotional, this novel blew me away and broke my heart in the process (review). It's one of the stories that got me the most emotional this year and to think that this is a debut novel came as a complete surprise for me. It was so good - Janet Gurtler knows how to touch her reader and make a connection. I can't wait to read more of her work.

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa tol him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring and bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth.

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem - when the Voice took over he mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for and evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wished she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams.

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery - although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially infront of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely - enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.

Another Rick Riordan book, you see this right! The Son of Neptune is the second book in the Heroes of Olympus series, but I loved this one more than the first book (review). It was so awesome - made of everything Rick Riordan is good at. It was funny, had loads of adventure and intrigue, and great characters. I laughed out loud several times and I'm very excited to be in the middle of a series - I've never experienced that waiting for a new title before - and I'm already impatient to get my hands on the next book in the series!

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee -- whose thoughts Todd can hear too, whether he wants to or not -- stumble upon an area of complete silence. They find that in a town where privacy is impossible, something terrible has been hidden -- a secret so awful that Todd and Manchee must run for their lives.
But how do you escape when your pursuers can hear your every thought?

The Knife of Never Letting Go was different from everything else I've ever read (review). The writing style is brilliant, even though it takes some getting used to, but it's so perfect for the story! It was action packed and I loved the concept of being able to hear everyone's thoughts combined with the world Ness built for the story. It's such an amazing story, and I cannot wait to finally dig in to The Ask and the Answer.

Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen
Ruby knows that the game is up. For the past few months, she's been on her own in the yellow house, managing somehow, knowing that her mother will probably never return.
That's how she comes to live with Cora, the sister she hasn't seen in ten years, and Cora's husband Jamie, whose down-to-earth demeanor makes it hard for Ruby to believe he founded the most popular networking Web site around. A luxurious house, fancy private school, a new wardrobe, the promise of college and a future; it's a dream come true. So why is Ruby such a reluctant Cinderella, wary and defensive? And why is Nate, the genial boy next door with some secrets of his own, unable to accept the help that Ruby is just learning to give?

This Sarah Dessen book blew every other book I've read by her so far right out of the water (review). She writes about troubled teens more often, but there was a connection between Ruby's story and me that just left me heartbroken, crying my ugly cry because I felt so close to the words. Lock and Key instantly became one of my favorite books I've ever read.

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These are my favorites of 2011! Most of them weren't published this year, but they were amazing and deserve to be in the spotlight. I've read a lot of good books, but the books mentioned in this post are the cherry on top of the deliciously yummy chocolate cake.

Friday, December 30, 2011

During 2011 I've read a couple of books that made me cry the famous ugly cry. Sure, there were plenty that had me tear up, or shed a tear, but there were only a few that made me cry properly. And I love that books are able to do that. These books touched me emotionally and I bawled my eyes out!

I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler
Tess is the exact opposite of her beautiful, athletic sister. And that’s okay. Kristina is the sporty one, Tess is the smart one, and they each have their place. Until Kristina is diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly Tess is the center of the popular crowd, everyone eager for updates. There are senior boys flirting with her. Yet the smiles of her picture-perfect family are cracking and her sister could be dying. Now Tess has to fill a new role: the strong one. Because if she doesn’t hold it together, who will?

I'm Not Her is a raw and emotional story about a girl who is trying to deal with the fact that her sister has cancer. It's not only about the illness itself, but also about how people cope with it, not only the patient herself. This one gripped me and I had to put the book away when I was positively sobbing because I got so emotional while reading (review). To think that this is Janet Gurtler's debut novel, is extraordinary.

Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen
Ruby knows that the game is up. For the past few months, she's been on her own in the yellow house, managing somehow, knowing that her mother will probably never return.
That's how she comes to live with Cora, the sister she hasn't seen in ten years, and Cora's husband Jamie, whose down-to-earth demeanor makes it hard for Ruby to believe he founded the most popular networking Web site around. A luxurious house, fancy private school, a new wardrobe, the promise of college and a future; it's a dream come true. So why is Ruby such a reluctant Cinderella, wary and defensive? And why is Nate, the genial boy next door with some secrets of his own, unable to accept the help that Ruby is just learning to give?

The fact that this one was so overwhelmingly emotional for me, came as a surprise. I had read more of Sarah Dessen's books before and even though they are about teens with problems, this one just grabbed me and didn't let me go (review). There was something about the neglect and abuse that Ruby experienced that had me tear up and when the story continued, I found myself crying and I had to wait until I could read more. Lock and Key is still my favorite Sarah Dessen book.

Sing me to Sleep by Angela Morrison
Beth has always been "The Beast" - that's what everyone at school calls her because of her awkward height, facial scars, and thick glasses. Beth's only friend is geeky, golden-haired Scott. That is, until she's selected to be her choir's soprano soloist, and receives the makeover that will change her life forever.
When Beth's choir travels to Switzerland, she meets Derek: pale, brooding, totally dreamy. Derek's untethered passion - for music, and for Beth - leaves her breathless. Because in Derek's eyes? She's not The Beast, she's The Beauty.
When Beth comes home, Scott, her best friend in the world, makes a confession that leaves her completely torn. Should she stand by sweet, steady Scott or follow the dangerous, intense new feelings she has for Derek?
The closer Beth gets to Derek, the further away he seems. Then Beth discovers that Derek's been hiding a dark secret from her ...one that could shatter everything.

When I picked this one up, I hadn't heard much about it. I started reading it with the expectation of a nice contemporary, but I got so much more than I was asking for (review). It was a story that grabbed my heart, squeezed it and left me just crying my eyes out. I had to put the book away and could only continue reading the next day, when I was calm again. It instantly became one of my favorite books ever, and it is among those still.

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Those are my favorite emotional reads of this year. There were more books that made my cry, but didn't get me so emotional as the ones named above. Other books that made me cry (although not as much as the books mentioned before): Before I Fall, The Hunger Games, Hallowed and Entangled.

For next year I'm hoping to read You Against Me, Forbidden and Elsewhere and I hope I can put those in next year's post. What are some of your favorite books that got you emotional?

Thursday, December 29, 2011

In this post I share with you my favorite debuts of 2011! All books were published this year and were YA debuts. Ready? Here we go!

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place her in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances.

I think just about everyone knows about this book by now. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book and OMG I was blown away! I wouldn't compare it to The Hunger Games, because the only thing they have in common is a female main character and a dystopian future, but it's definitely an addicting read. I couldn't stop reading and am impatiently awaiting the release of Insurgent in April. In case you haven't read my review, you can find it *here*. Veronica Roth is definitely an author to watch!

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.
As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

This was one of the first books that I wanted to read for the Debut Author Challenge 2011. The cover is stunning, the synopsis sounded interesting and Greek mythology - heck yeah! I was very lucky and got an ARC (my first one ever!) to read and I loved it. And so the waiting for Dreamless continues.. And I still have no idea how that last revelation is going to work out :P. If you haven't read my review yet, click *here*.

I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler
Tess is the exact opposite of her beautiful, athletic sister. And that’s okay. Kristina is the sporty one, Tess is the smart one, and they each have their place. Until Kristina is diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly Tess is the center of the popular crowd, everyone eager for updates. There are senior boys flirting with her. Yet the smiles of her picture-perfect family are cracking and her sister could be dying. Now Tess has to fill a new role: the strong one. Because if she doesn’t hold it together, who will?

How I cried while reading this book.. It was heartbreaking (review). The family appeared unrealistic, and proved to be exactly that, but other than that this story was so real. I had to put the book away to compose myself because I was really crying, not just the lone tear that escaped. It's a raw and emotional story and I can't recommend this book enough. It deserves more love!

A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford
Eden didn’t expect Az.
Not his saunter down the beach toward her. Not his unbelievable pick up line. Not the instant, undeniable connection. And not his wings.
Yeah.
So long happily-ever-after.
Now trapped between life and death, cursed to spread chaos with her every touch, Eden could be the key in the eternal struggle between heaven and hell. All because she gave her heart to one of the Fallen, an angel cast out of heaven.
She may lose everything she ever had. She may be betrayed by those she loves most. But Eden will not be a pawn in anyone else’s game. Her heart is her own.
And that’s only the beginning of the end.

This is one of the darkest paranormal YA books I've read this year (review). It's a paranormal story, but it also covers suicide and that's what makes this such a good book for me. It's different from anything else I've read in this genre, and personally I loved that Leah traveled the darker road with this one. I'm impatiently awaiting the sequel!

Across the Universe by Beth Revis
Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.
Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone - one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship - tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.
Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

This one was unexpectedly good (review)! I say that because I'm not into sci-fi and spaceships. It's just not my thing. But then Beth Revis comes along, and makes it my thing. I have to admit, the cover drew me in, but her story sealed the deal. I came to love Godspeed, Amy and Elder, and thankfully it's almost January 10th, because I honestly can't wait any longer for A Million Suns!

The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge
In the city of Lovecraft, the Proctors rule and a great Engine turns below the streets, grinding any resistance to their order to dust. The necrovirus is blamed for Lovecraft's epidemic of madness, for the strange and eldritch creatures that roam the streets after dark, and for everything that the city leaders deem Heretical—born of the belief in magic and witchcraft. And for Aoife Grayson, her time is growing shorter by the day.
Aoife Grayson's family is unique, in the worst way—every one of them, including her mother and her elder brother Conrad, has gone mad on their 16th birthday. And now, a ward of the state, and one of the only female students at the School of Engines, she is trying to pretend that her fate can be different.

This was the very first steampunk I read and it slowly won me over to try out the rest of the genre (review). Like some of the other books I've mentioned in this post, the cover was what drew me in. I'm so glad that I picked up this book, because it's a very good read and another one of those first books in a series that has me anxiously awaiting the sequel. Thankfully we'll be getting that one in February!

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.
When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie's power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the key to Ellie's memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.
Ellie has power that no one can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember.

Angelfire (review) was the first galley that I got to read and it was AWESOME. Action packed, fast paced with a swoon worthy guardian, this was one heck of a ride. I absolutely loved it. The action scenes are very well written and are my favorite parts of the book, although the scene with Will where he shows Ellie something (not telling you - because spoilery!) was also one of my favorites. Its sequel, Wings of the Wicked, is one of my most anticipated releases for 2012.

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross
In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one except the "thing" inside her.
When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch...
Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits. Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.
Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help-and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.
But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on, even if it seems no one believes her.

As of today, this is my favorite steampunk. I loved how everything came together and of course, I loved Griffin King. I love how Finley is a kick-ass heroine who is extremely loyal, even though she might not like a person particularly well. It's a great pageturner, and the ending made me hungry for book two.. For my review, click *here*.

Those are my favorite debuts of 2011! What are yours? Please share them in the comments!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

In December we get read-y for 2012! We read away those review copies, or those 2011 titles that we still haven't read so we can have a nice and clean start for the New Year! With so many amazing titles coming out in 2012, you might be a little overwhelmed with the amount of books to read.. But fear not! Get Read-y is here to help you lower your TBR pile :) For the introduction post with all information, click here!

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It's time for the fourth check-in for Get Read-y! I hope everyone had a good time during the holidays :) With the end of the holidays, we're nearing the New Year and there are only three days left of December. Can you believe how fast time is passing by? I certainly can't!

Because of the holidays, I haven't read much this week. I've managed to read one book and read part of a second. That's not too bad, I guess, considering the fact that I 'lost' three reading days so I'm happy :) I read If I Tell by Janet Gurtler, which was once again a fantastic read (if you haven't read anything by Janet Gurtler yet, I highly recommend you do!). I also started on My Scorching Summer Diary by Liz Rettig, but I wasn't able to finish it just yet. I like it so far, so I'm sure it'll be easy to finish before the month is over.

How did you do this week? Did you manage to get any reading done despite (or maybe thanks to?) the holidays? Let me know in the comments!

As 2011 is coming to a close, so is Get Read-y for 2012. There will be a wrap up post in the first week of the new year to finish up everything and to share your experiences. There's still a couple of days to 2011, so I hope everyone will enjoy those days and will have a great and safe New Year's Eve. I will see you all in 2012! :)

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

If you follow me on Goodreads, you'll know that I don't only read YA and middlegrade books. I also read adult paranormal romance, and even though you won't find reviews on those on my blog every time, I really enjoy reading them. Remember, these are not for younger readers, but if you're into adult paranormal romance/urban fantasy, these might be something for you, too. I know I enjoy them very much! Each synopsis is for the first book in the series.

Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward
In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood series was the first adult paranormal romance series that I picked up after seeing reviews for it. I had never heard about it before blogging, but everyone was raving about it so I picked up the first book, Dark Lover. I read the whole thing in less than a day and from then on, I was hooked. I haven't read all the books yet, but I'm definitely going to. The books switch from point of view every book, with each Warrior getting a book. I thoroughly enjoy these books and I would recommend them to anyone.

Demonica by Larissa IoneShe's a demon-slayer who hungers for sensual pleasure-but fears it will always be denied her. Until Tayla Mancuso lands in a hospital run by demons in disguise, and the head doctor, Eidolon, makes her body burn with unslakable desire. But to prove her ultimate loyalty to her peers, she must betray the surgeon who saved her life.

Eidolon cannot resist this fiery, dangerous woman who fills him with both rage and passion. Not only is she his avowed enemy, but she could very well be the hunter who has been preying upon his people. Torn between his need for the truth and his quest to find his perfect mate before a horrific transformation claims him forever, Eidolon will dare the unthinkable-and let Tayla possess him, body and soul...

I have no idea how I found out about this series, but I'm thankful I did because I absolutely love this one. The series is probably the steamiest of the ones I'm sharing in this post and therefore probably the least suitable for younger readers. I love the whole plot of this one, as well as the fact that it's about demons (yay!). It's very well written and even though I haven't read all the books in the series yet, I'm very much looking forward to doing just that. I own all the books, but I want to enjoy them, not rush through them.. So I'm trying to hold out. I'm not sure if I can wait any longer though..

The Lords of the Underworld by Gena Showalter
All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she'll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member -- a man trapped in a hell of his own.

Neither can resist the instant hunger than calms their torments... and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction -- and a soul-shattering test of love..

Of the series mentioned, I think this might be the sappiest, but it's such a guilty pleasure to read. All the Lords have their own story and I really enjoy learning more about them. The whole story is based on the myth of Pandora, and sometimes we even get a glympse of one of the Titans. I really enjoy reading these and I'm glad that there will be more books in the series - because I'm not yet done with the Lords.

Night Huntress by Jeaniene Frost
Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father—the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership.

In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner—are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side... and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat.

I have to admit, I only read the first book in this series, but it was really good. Also, I think Bones might have persuaded me to put this book on here, and who can resist the sexiness that is Bones? He quickly took over from Eric Northman as hottest vampire and I don't think it's going to change any time soon. I like the whole story, but if it wasn't for Bones, I'm not sure if I would be as determined to get my hands on the rest of the series as I am now..

Sookie Stackhouse by Charlaine Harris
Sookie Stackhouse is a small-time cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana. She's quiet, keeps to herself, and doesn't get out much. Not because she's not pretty. She is. It's just that, well, Sookie has this sort of "disability." She can read minds. And that doesn't make her too dateable. And then along comes Bill. He's tall, dark, handsome - and Sookie can't 'hear' a word he's thinking. He's exactly the kind of guy she's been waiting for all her life.

But Bill has a disability of his own: He's a vampire. Worse than that, hangs with a seriously creepy crowd, with a reputation for trouble - of the murderous kind.

And when one of Sookie's colleagues is killed, she begins to fear she'll be next.

Sookie Stackhouse was the first paranormal adult series that I picked up and I only did it because the boxed set was really cheap. And I'm glad I got the entire boxed set, because I went through them really quickly! I wouldn't call them the best plotwise, but I thoroughly enjoy Sookie's stories and of course, the presence of Eric helps. I really enjoy how all sorts of paranormal characters are involved, and that it's not only about the vampires.

Monday, December 26, 2011

After reading so many books (yes, the amount I've read is insane for me), I've come across a lot of couples and characters I wish would just become a couple. And I love some good romantic tension, so I decided to dedicate one of the Reprise posts to my favorite couples. This doesn't only include couples that are already established, but also couples that I hope to see in the next book(s) in the series. This list is not limited to books released in 2011.

Samantha & Kent

Samantha has a quite obnoxious boyfriend, and honestly, in the beginning of the story he sorta matches perfectly with her. But at the first mention of Kent, I was curious. Who is the guy with the bowler hat? Thankfully, we got to know him as the story continued and he ended up being one of my favorite male minor characters ever written. He's such a lovely character, and I just can't help but love him.

Katniss & PeetaOh, Peeta.. Where do I even start? I fell in love with him while reading the first book in the trilogy, and I even know the exact moment - when I read the interview before the Games. He was just so adorable, even though it was really sad, and I couldn't help but love him. He's such a lovely, warm character and if he was real, I would cuddle him nonstop. He proves to be a great and loyal partner to Katniss even after the Games, even after his hijacking. They are an amazing couple in my eyes, even though some people might feel that Katniss doesn't deserve him. I think they compliment eachother perfectly, and they are the only couple possible for me after reading the book(s).

Dash & LilyThis was one of the funniest books I've read this year and I loved every single word of it. Dash and Lily are both awesome characters, but when they finally meet, it's something else - they are lovely together. They are cute and adorable and even though I think they are brilliant on their own, I think they are even more awesome together.

Anna & EtienneCome on, how could these two not made it on the list?! Anna's feelings for Etienne are pretty obvious from the start, even though they are both in a relationship with someone else. I loved how they got to know eachother, how their relationship developed, and how they grew closer almost every time I flipped a page. They are adorable together, and I love them as a couple!

Finley & GriffinThis is one of the couples that are not together (yet?), but I really want them to just get it on already! The tension between them is so obvious and I really really hope that they will get together in the next book.. It's the romantic fairy tale; the maid and the duke, even though Finley is not a maid anymore, they are not in the same social circles and therefore any relationship forming between those two is 'taboo'. But OMG I just want to get them together and get them to kiss!

Saba & JackEven though Saba is cold to Jack in the beginning (which I can totally understand, considering the circumstances), she warms up to Jack more and more and so did I! I love their witty encounters, their snarky remarks and the fact that even though they talk down to eachother, they obviously like eachother. I loved seeing their relationship develop from not trustworthy tag-along, to where they were at the end of the book (hah! no spoilers here..). I'm really looking forward to the second book so I can find out what's next for them.. Because they're good for eachother, they have the same kind of fire, and seem to understand eachother perfectly.

Ellie & WillOh dude, do I have to explain this one? Will is such an amazing swoonworthy character, and Ellie is a kickass heroine and together they are an amazing couple. There seem to be some eh, difficulties for them ahead in terms of a relationship, but I'm sure they'll work it out - or ignore it. They just really need to get together and anyone who has read this book will agree with me! They belong together, and they are such a lovely couple.. *sigh*

Beth & ScottI loved Scott from the beginning, and I thought that they needed to get together asap. He's a lovely guy, caring, loyal and understanding. But he's also brutally honest, even though he might not say everything that's on his mind. There's some struggles during the story, but I kept hoping and hoping for them to finally get together. They compliment eachother perfectly, they are a perfect match and I just love them together.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Another Sunday, another In My Mailbox! In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren where we show what book(ish thing)s we got this week. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I've had a great week bookwise, and when you're reading this, I'm probably either sleeping or stuffing my face with food. Here's this week's vlog :)

Soooooooo happy with everything that I got this week! It was a great week book-wise, especially considering the fact that I only bought one of the books mentioned.. And they are all awesome! Yay!

That's all for me this week - and that means it's also the last IMM post of 2011! WOW, the time really flew by, didn't it?! I wish you all Happy Holidays, if you're celebrating, if you're not celebrating, I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

What is a 'Best of' theme without giving the spotlight to the best covers of 2011? They are not all 2011 releases, because I didn't suffer from reading frenzy in 2010 yet, so some of these covers are older. But that doesn't matter, all the more fun! Shall we take a look?

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
This is the second book in the Heroes of Olympus series and there's something about the combination of the colors and Percy's position that makes me absolutely *love* this cover. The spine is equally pretty, with the dark blue changing to the icy blue and then the white. I love how it shows you such a vital part of the story, without knowing what the heck is going on yet before you read the book. Out of all the Rick Riordan books I've read (all except the 39 Clues books), this is by far my favorite cover.

Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres
I *love* this cover. It's intriguing and beautiful and stunning and captivating and should I go on? I've been wanting to read this book for months now and I'm still hoping it will be published outside of Australia, but so far no luck. Thankfully we have this pretty cover to look at though!

Wither by Lauren DeStefano
The combination of the dark purple with the girl on the cover and the lining all over the dust jacket makes this one of my favorite covers of 2011. I haven't read the book yet, although its bombarding me with puppy eyes every time I walk past the shelf, but I really hope I can read it in January. It looks gorgeous and the synopsis of it sounds fantastic as well!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
This is one of the older titles on my list, since I only discovered this trilogy early this year (shame on me). I love the simplicity of this cover. All three covers are made in the same way, and they are all stunning. It proves that you don't need a lot to make a cover stand out :) I love this series and devoured it like crazy. If you haven't read this series yet, I highly recommend you do!

Across the Universe by Beth Revis
This one couldn't NOT make it on this list! It was the reason I wanted to read this book, I'm not going to lie. I wasn't sure about the story itself at the time, because I wasn't really into spaceships and stuff, but oh man did Revis write a great book!! I loved it! This cover is a reversible one, with a blueprint of Godspeed on the other side, but personally, I prefer this cover. It's stunning!

Entwined by Heather Dixon
This is another one that I picked up purely because of the cover. I haven't actually read it yet (shame on me!) but I plan on doing that very soon, because I love the sound of the synopsis as well. This cover fits the 'fairytale retelling' theme perfectly and it's just so magical looking! With the castle in the background and the girl's dress and all the silvery leaves on the cover.. It's beautiful.

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh
This is one of my absolute favorites of 2011. It came out a year earlier, and it's another one of those books that hypnotized me with its pretty cover. I read the book, and I *loved* it. I cannot recommend it enough. It's such a good book and it's among my all time favorite books! I am anxiously awaiting the sequel, even though the publication date has been pushed back to August. I cannot wait! In the meantime, I can stare at this pretty cover. Isn't it stunning? I love the scribbles all over the image - it's a perfect fit for the story, too.

A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford
Usually, I'm not a big fan of a partial face on the cover of a book. But there's just something about this one.. It drew me in. The girl on the cover is captivating and made me want to read the book so badly. And then I read the book, and it was awesome! Very dark, but oh so good. The colors on this cover are what makes it so beautiful. Me like!